Syracuse -- Here's an invitation to grab a brush for a community painting project. We're not talking coating walls. At "30 Person Pollock," participants will create a 16-foot wide by 8-foot high painting with some direction from creator Brendan Rose. To paint, show up from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at Front Space on the ground floor of the State Tower Building, 109 Warren St., Syracuse.

Rose has written instructions to guide painters. Some of the 20 to 30 instructions will be very specific about what is to be painted, says Rose. However, at any time participants can switch instructions and start with new strokes. Acrylic and house paint will be applied to plywood affixed to a wall. Rose says a color palette is being decided. A grid of sorts will define some areas. No experience is necessary. All supplies will be handed out at the paint-in. Painters of all ages are invited to drop in during the four hours.

"I'm hoping that it creates a very beautiful, serious piece of art," says Rose. "But we're also, in the process, not trying not to take it too seriously, mostly to enjoy ourselves and have fun painting together."

The inspiration for "30 Person Pollock" came after Rose attended a summer concert of music by avant-garde composer John Cage. At one point, listeners were encouraged to pick up instruments and join in. Rose, an artist and former Syracuse public artist-in residence, wanted to apply the same crowd-creating zeal to an art project.

He has titled his project "30 Person Pollock" in reference to abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock's "messiness" in making art.

After the brushes are set down, a reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. A time-lapse video of the painting project will be shown. Also, the final plywood painting will be cut into pieces for anyone to take home.

Echo, a Syracuse artist collective, will host "30 Person Pollock." Stacey Lindbloom, an Imagining America Engagement Scholar, also is working with Echo on this event. Lindbloom is curator of events at Front Space that involve the role of play in Syracuse.